Project
Ussherfort, which was originally called Fort Crevecoeur, was built in 1649 by the Dutch from the Netherlands. It is part of the 32 forts and castles listed together on the UNESCO World Heritage List sites in Ghana, located in the capital city, Accra. There was established in this fort a slavery Museum which was closed down as a result of a rainstorm which affected it. This Fort has a rich history of being a trade post, slave dungeon, a police post and a prison. The rest were a military detention camp, tribunal or court martial, a refugee camp for both Liberians and South Sudanese and currently museum. The project aims at building the capacities of youth in terms of practical skills, knowledge, cultural understanding, interpersonal and leadership skills, and at documenting Ussher Fort's history, contributing to increase awareness, practical knowledge, and interest in conserving World Heritage sites and volunteering among the local community.
Volunteering work
- Volunteers will engage with community members leveraging sports and media for heritage advocacy,
- Participants will organise events to display cultural artefacts with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
- In cooperation with the site management authorities, volunteers will also be mobilized for construction work and maintenance at Ussher Fort
- Volunteers will visit other heritage sites in Ghana for learning and knowledge sharing
- Design educational materials on World Heritage themes and engage the local community with documentaries about the importance of volunteering.
Accommodation
Volunteers will be driven to VOLU office where we have a hostel attached, and that will be where the volunteers will be accommodated ahead of the project. They will get registered and get the "orientation" (preparation) from VOLU. After 1 or 2 days, the volunteers will go to the project site which is just by the association’s office. For STV projects, volunteers will stay in an accommodation equipped with electricity and toilets facilities. Volunteers should bring along the following: mosquito net, medication, flashlight, bed sheet, games, musical instruments, social/casual dresses, toiletries, sandals and shoes for their personal use, working shoes (Boots).
Leisure
Volunteers or participants of this project will get the opportunity to participate and observe the Chale Wote Street Art Festival. This is an annual celebration of art that transcends boundaries to foster community engagement and inspire transformative initiatives. Imagine strolling through the lively streets, encountering a myriad of artistic expressions that range from thought-provoking murals to interactive workshops. The essence of the festival lies in its ability to bring together artists, locals, and visitors in a harmonious celebration of creativity and culture.
Travel
Volunteers should arrive to Accra's international airport, where they will be picked up by a VOLU staff member.
Preparation
IBO offers a good preparation for your volunteering work abroad.You will receive a digital information package and an invitation to a preparation meeting. Read more about the proces from departure until return.
Costs
For this project you pay €50,- registration fee and €390,- participation fee. If you become an IBO-supporter, you don't have to pay the registration fee.
This includes accommodation and meals, local transport, an information pack and (online) preparation meeting. Excluding travel, insurance and any outings.
Fundraising for this project is greatly appreciated!
Registration
Register here as a volunteer at IBO.